Roots Reggae alive and well with Luciano (Created May 8, 2013)

Luciano, aka Jepther McClymont, is a Jamaican roots reggae artist and poet whose career has spanned some two decades and counting.

The seventh of nine children and born into a musical family growing up in the central parish of Manchester, Jamaica, Luciano took a jump into the business when he began recording in 1992. His first single, "Ebony and Ivory" was the precursor to his debut album "Moving Up," which bowed the following year.

Known for songs that reflected both his religious and social concerns, Luciano scored a No. 1 reggae hit in the UK with the song "Shake It Up Tonight," beginning a rise to prominence in the mid 1990's. The album "Where There is Life" climbed the charts behind the hits "It's Me Again Jah" and "Who Could It Be," and the follow-up album entitled "Messenger" gave Luciano his enduring nickname.

With some 19 albums under his belt, Luciano has been heralded by his peers and his fans. He was nominated for Best Reggae Album at the 2002 Grammys, and in 2007 was awarded the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer, for his contribution to reggae music. Two years later he paid his respects to the late Michael Jackson by releasing a reggae tribute of Jackson's "We are the World" on Lioni Records.

In 2010, Luciano was reportedly given a tract of land for permanent residence in the Gambia. He had first performed in the country in 20011, and had stated his desire to eventually reside in Africa.